Detroit, Michigan (PRWEB) November 27, 2014 -- Hope in the City launched this week, making a major impact on the people of Detroit. On Saturday, November 22, more than 2,200 families were blessed with gifts from Second Ebenezer Church's 9th Annual Feed the Children event. This year, the Second Ebenezer Feed the Children event partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson delighted the children, participants and volunteers at the event. "I'm here to give back, something I learned from my mom and dad," said Johnson. "Not only did he inspire all of us with his generosity and message, but he also worked at the event by helping to pack food into the cars of our recipients while it rained no less," said Bishop Edgar L. Vann, Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer. Both Johnson and Vann were later honored at the Michigan Chronicle's Legacy in Motion event that evening.
With the goal of impacting 6,000 families during the Christmas Season alone, Hope in the City is well on its way. Working in collaboration with community partners and sponsors including Meijer, Talmer Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Coca-Cola, Mr. Errol Service of McDonald's and Mr. Alan's who all share a history of helping people in times of crisis, Yet, Second Ebenezer promises that Hope in the City is endless. "This is not a one-time event or limited campaign, our mission is to spread hope through real help all year-round. The need is great and it doesn't come and go with the holidays" said Vann. Indeed, the Kids Count Data Center reported that 59% of Detroit's children, an estimated 99,000 children, lived in poverty in 2013. "People are not able to pay for their basic needs. Parents are choosing between paying rent, utilities, transportation, other bills and food."
Our Story
For more than 75 years, Second Ebenezer Church has played a leadership role in empowering its members and the community-at-large through ministries, groundbreaking programs for youth and adults and volunteerism. Empowerment includes humanitarian, educational and spiritual programs with the goal of providing more than a band aid to help people. With a mission of helping people help themselves on their path from dependency to self-sufficiency, Hope in the City includes programs for returning citizens to keep them from re-offending; help finding homes for homeless families; counseling and referrals for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness; and food, financial literacy and employment coaching for those struggling to pay their bills and still put food on the table.
ECHO (Enhancing Community Health Outreach), is one innovative collaboration where Second Ebenezer helps vulnerable people. A Michigan Department of Human Services funded program, through ECHO, Second Ebenezer works in collaboration with other churches and agencies to help individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness and other barriers to health, wellness, employment and self-sufficiency. While MADE Men (Men Affirming Discipline and Education) and the Circle of Brotherhood are impacting middle and high school students through civilian patrolling and mentoring.
Our Hope
Through the talent and passion of Bishop Vann and his more than 5,000 church members and collaborative partners, Hope in the City touches the lives of thousands of individuals. Examples include Charles, an ex-offender, now works two jobs. Jessica, a longtime public housing tenant, now owns a home. Anthony, a major drug dealer, dedicated his life to Christ and helping others. And Charlotte, an aspiring college student with incarcerated parents, found college admission and financial aid.
"In all of this, we've learned that inside every person exists untapped talents covered by layers of neglect and repression. But with the same patience and compassion that God shows us, Hope in the City is aptly meeting their immediate needs while uncovering their hidden talents. We are seeing people move from dependency to self-sufficiency, from crisis to hope," said Vann.
Upcoming Hope in the City Programs:
Call to Action for Partners, Volunteers and Sponsors:
• Ongoing: Hope in the City Food Drive: Everyday, Hope Begins with Health & Nutrition. Hope in the City Food Pantry Canned Food Drive is ongoing through January 31, 2015. Please bring non-perishable, unexpired food items such as peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruits to Second Ebenezer Church Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. or Sunday before and after the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services.. Second Ebenezer proactively looks for families in need and delivers the food!
• Ongoing: Angel Tree Prison Ministry: Angel Tree, a Prison Fellowship, reaches out to the thousands of Detroit children of inmates and their families with Second Ebenezer Church. Through this ministry, Second Ebenezer is meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children and families of prisoners.
• December 20: Lifting through Gifting: Adopt-a-Family. "Lifting through Gifting" is a Christmas meal distribution for 100 selected families. Second Ebenezer is partnering with other churches and organizations to bless families-in-need with Christmas dinner.
• December 21, 2014 at 10a.m.: Hope in the City Live!, produced by Bishop Edgar L. Vann. A special illustrated sermon includes drama, dance and music ministries in a life-changing presentation featuring Bishop Edgar Vann and a special cameo appearance by an internationally-renowned artist from Detroit! This production will happen only once during the 10:00 a.m. service.
• February 20-22, 2015: 18th Annual Second Ebenezer College Fair - Detroit's largest college fair featuring 50 colleges and universities, financial aid, a Greek Step Show and more!
To donate, partner or participate in Hope in the City, contact Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre Road in Detroit, Michigan 48212. For more information, telephone 313.867.4700 and visit http://www.secondebenezer.org.
For more information, contact Peggy k. Goodwin, The Goodwin Co. 313.550.2449
peggygoodwin(at)goodwinconsulting(dot)us
Peggy K. Goodwin, [email protected], http://www.goodwinconsulting.us, 313.550.2449, [email protected]
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